Pyrus Pashia Research Articles

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Cancerous Properties of Pyrus pashia (Buch. -Ham.Ex D.Don) Against KB-3-1 Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro

Background: Oral cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in men. Many medicinal approaches are tried step-wise for cancers. Homeopathy and Ayurveda are contributing much to cure cancers without side effects. Plants having antioxidant properties are now being utilized with different solvents to extract different chemical compounds to cure cancer. Objective: The current study aimed to examine the anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of acetone extract of Pyrus pashia (PP-AE) fruit against KB-3-1 cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The extract's total phenolic content was determined using a folin-ciocalteu reagent. The DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 assay were used to measure the free radical scavenging activity of the PP-AE. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of the PP-AE against KB-3-1 cancer cell lines at various concentrations. Results: Based on the observations, the total phenolic content was present in the PP-AE of fruit and all free radical scavenging assays have shown remarkable IC50 values. Conclusion: According to the current study, acetone extract of Pyrus pashia fruit significantly possesses antioxidant and anti-cancer properties against oral (KB-3-1) cancer cell lines. This effect may be used in the future to analyze particular chemical compounds in extract, capable of minimizing the growth of oral cancer cells.

Assessment of Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant activities and HPLC analysis of stem, leaves and fruits of plant Pyrus pashia

Assessment of Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant activities and HPLC analysis of stem, leaves and fruits of plant Pyrus pashia

Bioactive Compounds in Pyrus pashia, their Bioactivities, and Associated Health Benefits: A Review

Bioactive Compounds in Pyrus pashia, their Bioactivities, and Associated Health Benefits: A Review

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Agroforestry versus Adjoining Forests at Different Altitudes in the Garhwal Himalayas

Forests face a variety of threats in the modern era. Agroforestry systems, both traditional and introduced, have a tremendous capacity for providing sustainable resources and combating the impact of global climate change. Indigenous agroforestry and forest land-use systems are important reservoirs for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, providing a potential contribution to livelihood security for rural communities. This study aimed to assess the tree diversity and carbon stock of agroforestry and adjoining forests along altitudinal gradients, ranging between 700 and 2200 masl (i.e., lower, middle, and upper altitudes) by laying sample plots randomly of a size of 20 × 20 m2. In the forest land-use system, the maximum Importance Value Index (IVI) included Dalbergia sissoo (71.10), Pyrus pashia (76.78), and Pinus roxburghii (79.69) at the upper, middle, and lower elevations, respectively, whereas, in the agroforestry land-use system, the IVI reported for Ficus semicordata was 43.05 at the upper, while for Grewia optiva it was at 53.82 at the middle and 59.33 at the lower altitudes. The below-ground biomass density (AGBD) was recorded as 1023.48 t ha−1 (lower), 242.92 t ha−1 (middle), and 1099.35 t ha−1(upper), while in the agroforestry land-use system, the AGBD was 353.48 t ha−1 (lower), 404.32 t ha−1 (middle), and 373.23 t ha−1 (upper). The total carbon density (TCD) values recorded were 630.57, 167.32, and 784.00 t ha−1 in forest land-use systems, and 227.46, 343.23, and 252.47 in agroforestry land-use systems for lower, middle, and upper altitudes, respectively. The Margalef’s Index values for agroforestry and forests ranged from 2.39 to 2.85 and 1.12 to 1.30, respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stock recorded 45.32, 58.92, and 51.13 Mg C ha−1 for agroforestry and 61.73, 42.65, and 71.08 Mg C ha−1 for forest in lower, middle and upper elevations, respectively. The study suggests that selecting land use patterns can be an effective management system for tree species at different elevations for carbon storage, helping to mitigate climate change and aiding in sustainable management of ecosystems in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Quantitative ethnobotany of wild edible plants used by the Hattee community of District Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

The present investigation was conducted to document the different wild edible plants and their ethnobotanical uses in the Rajgarh Block of District Sirmaur. Ethnobotanical information was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interactions with the area’s indigenous community. Seventy-five species were recorded in 63 genera of 42 families as wild edibles from the study area. These wild edible plants have been assessed for cultural importance Index (CI) and factor informant consensus (Fic). Grewia optiva (1.31), Rhododendron arboreum (1.13), and Pyrus pashia (1.10) recorded the highest values of CI. Factor informant consensus (Fic) value ranged between 0.90 to 0.97. We recommend conducting further studies to explore the nutrient components and dietary importance of these conventional food resources.

Population Structure and Regeneration Dynamics of Tree Species in Banj Oak Forests of Tehri Garhwal, Western Himalaya

Forest regeneration is a natural process of forest resource reclamation through production of young ones (saplings and seedlings). Tree species show variable regeneration potential in different associations and response to natural and man-made factors. Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus), one of the important forest forming tree species in western montane Himalaya, is facing regeneration failure in different locations. The present study attempted to assess the population structure and regeneration of Q. leucotrichophora and associated tree species in five different stands (sites) of a less explored region (Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya). To investigate the phytosociological attributes, ten sampling quadrats (400 m2) were laid in random sampling manner in each forest stand for surveying tree layer, 2 sub-quadrats (25 m2) for saplings, and 5 sub-quadrats (1 m2) for seedlings in each sampling quadrat. Among the studied forest stands, tree species richness ranged 8 to 11 (8.8±1.3), total stem density (ind/ha) 750 to 950 (846±85.6), and total basal area (m2/ha) 18.68 to 29.18 (24.1±3.9). Based on abundance data the banj oak showed ‘good’ regeneration statuses (density of seedling > saplings > adult trees) in all forests. The distribution of adult tree individuals into different size classes (DBH classes) also indicate ‘good’ regeneration pattern (higher density in lower size classes and gradual decrease in density towards higher classes or forming a reverse J-shaped pattern). However, majority of the banj oak associated species (e.g. Prunus cerasoides, Pyrus pashia, Rhododendron arboreum, etc.) represented ‘fair’ regeneration statuses (seedlings > or ≤ saplings ≤ adult trees). Overall, the results of this study shed light on the positive prospects for Q. leucotrichophora regeneration and the importance of sustainable coexistence between human communities and these vital forest ecosystems.

Pyrus pashia fruit extract and its major phytometabolite chrysin prevent hippocampal apoptosis and memory impairment in PTZ-kindled mice

ABSTRACT Objectives Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with recurrent seizures. One-third of epilepsy patients experience unacceptable side effects from antiepileptic drugs. Pyrus pashia is a deciduous tree from southern Asia. Ethnomedicinally, Malakand tribes use its fruits for epilepsy treatment. Our prior research demonstrated the anticonvulsive properties of ethanolic extract of Pyrus pashia (EPP) and its bioactive compound chrysin in acute seizure tests. This study aims to investigate the impact of EPP and chrysin on cognitive impairment in a PTZ-induced kindling mice model of epilepsy. Methods Swiss albino male mice were equally divided into four groups. The first group received 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose dissolved in normal saline while the other three groups were pre-treated with Diazepam (DZP) (1 mg/kg, i.p.), EPP (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and chrysin (5 mg/kg, p.o.). After 30 min, all groups were administered PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) and evaluated for seizure severity, cognitive function, and neuronal apoptosis. Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze the expressions of apoptosis biomarkers and memory-related genes, including cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Results The therapeutic effects of EPP and Chrysin were comparable to DZP in terms of reducing seizure severity, but unlike DZP, they prevented PTZ-induced memory impairment in experimental animals. Additionally, they increased the levels of BDNF and CREB while reducing apoptotic biomarkers in the hippocampus of experimental animals. Conclusions Based on the leads offered by this study EPP and its major bioactive constituent, could be developed as the treatment option for epilepsy.

Stem Bark-Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Pyrus pashia: Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

The investigation of using medicinal plants for the production and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted growing research interest. In this study, AgNPs are synthesized from the stem barks of the Pyrus pashia medicinal plant using a biosynthetic strategy. The reaction conditions were optimized under ambient conditions, including concentration, temperature, time, and pH, and various techniques were employed, such as UV-visible, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and TEM, to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs produced through this biosynthesis method were found to be spherical and polydispersed, with an average size of 23.92 ± 7.04 nm. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated an enhanced DPPH free radical scavenging capacity compared to the aqueous extract, with IC50 values of 10.67 ± 0.05 µg/mL and 13.66 ± 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. In the agar well diffusion method, the synthesized AgNPs showed higher antibacterial activity than that of the extract against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028), and Shigella sonnei (ATCC 25931). Based on these findings, the study suggests that green synthesized AgNPs from P. pashia could be used for biomedical applications.

Impact of Climate Change on Fruit Production: Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies in Northeast Himalayan Region

Numerous horticulture crops, both well-known and less well-known underutilized fruit crops native to this region, are grown in abundance in the north-eastern Himalayan region. If grown to their full capacity, these crops will produce significant revenue and contribute to the local economy. There is however, a decrease in their availability even before being fully exploited due to losses resulting from many factors including climate change and related variability. The primary consequence of climate change, among many others, is the changes in the agro-ecological region that are observable in some places where there is the replacement of native fruits, many of which originated at higher elevations, with low chilling-required fruits. In the Ukhrul district of Manipur (Northeast India), the abundance of many local temperate crops of the Prunus species such as peaches, plums, cherries, pears, bird cherry (Prunus nepalensis) and others like walnut, wild apple (Docynia indica), Pyrus pashia, Myrica spp., Rhus semialatus, Rubus spp., Eleagnus spp., Elaeocarpus floribundus, Spondias axillaris, etc. are reduced and being replaced by low chilling requiring crops like kiwi, avocado, low chilling apples (Anna, Golden Dorsett, HRMN 99) and area under these crops particularly kiwi is increasing. In household gardens at higher altitudes, tropical fruits like mango, banana and guava are now thriving; in the past, the harsh winter frosts made it impossible even for the seedlings to survive. Despite employing rootstocks that are more resistant to higher temperature, kiwi is replacing the apple-growing regions in the foothills of Bomdila and Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh, since the requisite quality is not achieved.

Biochemical and antioxidant activity of wild edible fruits of the eastern Himalaya, India.

The eastern Himalayas, one of the important hotspots of global biodiversity, have a rich diversity of wild edible fruit trees. The fruits of these tree species have been consumed by the tribal people since time immemorial. However, there is limited information available on the biochemical and antioxidant properties of the fruits. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of the nine most important wild fruit trees. Among the species, Pyrus pashia had the maximum fruit weight (37.83 g), while the highest juice (43.72%) and pulp content (84.67%) were noted in Haematocarpus validus and Myrica esculenta, respectively. Maximum total soluble solids (18.27%), total sugar (11.27%), moisture content (88.39%), ascorbic acid content (63.82 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (18.47 mg/100 g), and total monomeric anthocyanin (354.04 mg/100 g) were recorded in H. validus. Docynia indica had the highest total phenolic content (19.37 mg GAE/g), while H. validus recorded the highest total flavonoids and flavanol content. The antioxidant activities of the different fruits ranged from 0.17 to 0.67 IC50 for DPPH activity and 3.59-13.82 mg AAE/g for FRAP. These fruits had attractive pigmentation of both pulp and juice and were a good potential source for the extraction of natural edible color in the food industry. The fruits also possess high market prices; Prunus nepalensis fetched $ 34.10-$ 141.5 per tree. Therefore, these fruits are rich sources of antioxidants, pigments and have a high market value for livelihood and nutritional security.

Niche partitioning by sympatric civets in the Himalayan foothills of Pakistan.

Niche overlap between sympatric species can indicate the extent of interspecific competition. Sympatric competing species can exhibit spatial, temporal, and dietary adjustments to reduce competition. We investigated spatial, temporal, and dietary niche overlap of sympatric Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) and small Indian civet ( Viverricula indica), in and around Pir Lasura National Park, Pakistan. We used remote cameras to determine the frequency and timing of detections to estimate spatial and temporal overlap, and prey remains from scats to estimate dietary overlap. We collected scat samples of Asian palm civet (n = 108) and small Indian civet (n = 44) for dietary analysis. We found low spatial (Oij = 0.32) and temporal (Δ = 0.39) overlap, but high dietary niche overlap (0.9) between these two civet species. Both civet species were detected at only 11 camera sites and small Indian civets were detected most frequently during 2:00-5:00 h and 8:00-10:00 h, whereas Asian palm civets detections were greatest during 20:00-2:00 h. The overall niche breadth of Asian palm civet was slightly narrower (L = 9.69, Lst = 0.31) than that of the small Indian civet (L = 10, Lst = 0.52). We identified 27 dietary items (15 plant, 12 animal) from scats of Asian palm civet including Himalayan pear (Pyrus pashia; 27%), Indian gerbil (Tatera indica; 10%), Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta; 4%), and insects (5%). Scat analysis of small Indian civets revealed 17 prey items (eight plant, nine animal) including Himalayan pear (24%), domestic poultry (15%), Indian gerbil (11%), and house mouse (Mus musculus; 5%). Both civet species consumed fruits of cultivated orchard species. Spatial and temporal partitioning of landscapes containing diverse foods appears to facilitate coexistence between Asian palm civets and small Indian civets.

Potential of wild edible fruits for nutrition in indigenous communities of Northwest Himalaya, India

Background: In the rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, poor and tribal people depend on a variety of wild plants, animals, and fungi for their own consumption and for income generation. Despite their role in bridging periods of food shortages and providing dietary variety, most of wild edible plants are not accessed for nutritional potential. This is particularly true for the district of Kinnaur (a predominantly tribal area) of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, the present study was carried out to study the nutrient content of ten wild edible fruit species growing in the district of Kinnaur. The species included Berberis aristata, Elaeagnus umbellata, Hippophae salicifolia, Malus baccata, Prunus cornuta, Prunus persica, Pyrus pashia, Ramaria botrytis, Rosa webbiana and Viburnum cotinifolium. Methods: The samples collected from the identified plants were cleaned, dried, powdered and stored in airtight containers for laboratory analysis. Fresh fruit pulp was used for measurement of pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid. Fresh weight of fruit pulp was recorded by using a digital balance and the samples were later oven dried (60°C) for moisture content determination (AOAC, 2006). All the dried samples were pulverized in pestle and mortar into fine powder separately and stored in airtight containers, free from contamination till other parameters were determined. All the parameters were evaluated in triplicates, results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and reported as mean ± standard error. Results: The moisture content of the fruits varied from 58.76% to 89.75% while pH values ranged from 2.91 to 3.86. The crude protein of species varied between 0.38% - 4.58%. Prunus cornuta contained high amount of total soluble solids, TSS (18.53o Brix). The acidity in the fruits ranged between 0.47-2.73%. The total carbohydrate content varied between 19.52% and 78.40%. The highest sugars (7.60%) were observed in the fruits of Viburnum cotinifolium. Total phenols ranged in between 0.26-1.47%. The maximum ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in fruits of Hippophae salicifolia. These wild edible plants had also significant amounts of minerals. Conclusion: The study shows that these wild edible plant species are good sources of nutrition for rural population. Keeping in view the nutritional values and commercial potential, these important species need to be conserved in their natural habitats and should be included in traditional agricultural systems. Domestication of these species will not only improve the economic condition of the local people but also aid in the conservation of biodiversity. Key words: Wild edible plants, nutritive values, domestication, conservation.

Standardization of vegetative propagation technique of wild edible Himalayas pear (Pyrus pashia) on newly identified local rootstock, RC Sohjhur-3

Standardization of vegetative propagation technique of wild edible Himalayas pear (Pyrus pashia) on newly identified local rootstock, RC Sohjhur-3

Diversity of Wild Edible Plants in the Kotla Valley in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India

The current study focuses on the variety of wild edible plants that the locals of Uttarakhand,India’s Kotla valley Barkot (Uttarakashi) consume. During a field survey, local informantsprovided all of the information. The informants included laborers in the fields, priests,physicians, and birth attendants older than 55, to repeatedly verify the validity of theinformation gathered from the research area. There were 64 wild edible plant species in total,with 56 genera and 39 families represented. There were 22 kinds of shrubs, 20 species oftrees, 17 species of herbs, and 5 species of climbers that were edible. 49% of the species wereused for foraging edible wild fruits, 26% for leaves, 13% for seeds, 7% for roots, and 6% forflowers. The most widespread species included Ficus species, Elaeagnus umbellata, Morusserrata, Amaranthus caudatus, Berberis aristata, Myrica esculenta, Pinus roxburghii, Prunuscerasoides, Pyracantha crenulata, Pyrus pashia, Rhododendron arboretum, Rubia manjith,and Rubus spp. The importance of wild edible plants in supplying stable and supplementarysustenance cannot be overstated.

Spatial Distribution and Floristic Composition of Overstorey Vegetation in Zanthoxylum Armatum DC inhabited sites of Jammu & Kashmir, India

The spatial distribution and floristic composition of an area is the outcome of various environmental factors, and needed to be studied for assessing the macro-ecological biodiversity patterns and framing a strategy for biological conservation. The present study was conducted in three Zanthoxylum armatum DC inhabited sites located in Kathua (Bhaddu and Sukrala) and Udhampur (Dhandal) districts of Jammu and Kashmir with aims of studying the distribution, ecological status, composition, and diversity of overstorey vegetation, especially Zanthoxylum armatum , and to define the soil attribute/s responsible for these characteristics of vegetation. The results of the study show that aggregate distribution (68.4 - 84.2%) was more common than random distribution pattern (15.8 - 31.6%). Ecological status of more than 50% of the species, including Zanthoxylum armatum , was rare in all the three sites. Quercus leucotrichophora , Pinus roxburghii and Pyrus pashia recorded the highest values for importance value index (IVI) in Bhaddu, Sukrala and Dhandal, respectively. As per Dominance-Diversity Curves, the most dominant species were following the geometric curve and hence utilizing bulk of the resources in the respective sites whereas other species were log normally distributed. Dhandal was the most diverse site having the highest values for species richness (19) and Shannon-Wiener’s index (2.59). The Canonical Correspondence Analysis depicted that Zanthoxylum armatum along with Cu at Axis I and available K at axis II were the driving variables responsible for the distribution, diversity, and floristic composition of overstorey vegetation in the present study.

Impact of forest fire frequency on floristic diversity in the forests of Uttarakhand, western Himalaya

The Uttarakhand State of India is rich in forest wealth with 45.4% forest cover (India State of Forest Report (2021). However, forest cover may change due to a number of anthropogenic and environmental factors. One of the factors leading to forest degradation is forest fires. Forest fires are related to factors that may be biotic, such as heavy accumulation of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii, a dominant forest forming tree) needles on the forest floor influencing fuel load accumulation and flammability, or abiotic, such as climate, topography, or soil type influencing fuel moisture and fire spread. This study was carried out using satellite images of study area where fire was classified using the geographical information system (GIS) into four frequency classes (no fire, low fire, moderate fire, and high fire). We sampled a total of 160 quadrates for trees, 320 for shrubs and 480 for herbaceous plants to assess vegetation diversity for each forest fire frequency class. No fire was recorded for 13,619 sample points, which covers an area of 84% of the study area, whereas low fire frequency was recorded for 1784 sample points covering an area of 11%. In the present study, significant differences in species diversity were observed across the fire frequency classes. While species diversity increased in the low fire frequency class, an increase in fire frequency led to a decline in diversity and increased dominance of certain fire-tolerant species. Our results show that species richness and density decreased in higher fire frequency classes, which could be due to a poor regeneration process. We found that tree species diversity was higher for the low fire frequency class, followed by moderate fire frequency class, no fire frequency class, and was lowest for the high fire frequency class. The diversity of herbs decreased with increasing fire frequency, from a minimum of 12 species in the high fire frequency class to a maximum of 37 in the no fire frequency class. Some of the fire-adapted species were Myrica esculenta, Pyrus pashia, Lyonia ovalifolia, Carissa spinarum, Pyracantha crenulata, Desmodium microphyllum, and Micromeria biflora the regeneration of which should be promoted rehabilitate the fire damage forest ecosystem of Uttarakhand.

Indigenous knowledge and quantitative ethnobotany of the Tanawal area, Lesser Western Himalayas, Pakistan.

Ethnobotanical field surveys were carried out in the Tanawal area of the Lesser Himalayan Region, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Province from April 2016 to October 2017. The area is located between 34.36 (34° 21’ 30 N) latitude and 73.07 (73° 4’ 0 E) longitude with an average elevation of 1374 meters above sea level. Ethnomedicinal data were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), and participants were selected through the snow-boll technique. Semi-structured, in-depth and open-ended interviews were conducted. The data were quantitatively evaluated using ethnomedicinal indices i.e. Relative frequency of citation (RFCs), Fidelity level (FL), and Use Value (UV). The ethnobotanical data were also comparatively analyzed through the Jaccard Index (JI). The study yielded 66 medicinal plants in 62 genera and 43 families. Asteraceae and Solanaceae were the most important families with five medicinal taxa each. Regarding medicinal plant part utilization, leaves (43.28%) were used predominantly, followed by whole plant (14.92%) and fruits (14.92%). Decoction was the main drug formulation applied to 21 species (31.15%) and the oral route was most common (56.1%) while 31.2% of medicinal plants were used for both oral and topical applications. Fifty health disorders were recorded and grouped in 15 categories. Maximum species were used to treat gastrointestinal disorders i.e. 13 species, dermal problems (12 species), and respiratory tract ailments (9). The calculated RFCs ranged between 81 to 31. The most important medicinal plants were Acacia modesta, Citrullus vulgaris, Tamarindus indica, and Momordica charantia with an RGFC of 81 each. The UV ranged between 0.58 and 3.6. Medicinal taxa with the highest UV were Dioscorea deltoidea (3.6), Withania coagulans (3.3), Momordica charantia (3.5), Silybum marianum and Pyrus pashia (3.2). FL values showed that 28 (41.79%) species had a FL value below 50 (74.62%) while 39 (58.20%) had higher FL values. Momordica charantia, Tamarindus indica, Acacia modesta and Citrullus vulgaris were 95.2 each. The Jaccard Index (JI) values ranged from16.77 to 0.98. The current study also reported 16 medicinal plants, commonly used around the globe, have been rarely documented for their medicinal values in the local ethnomedicinal literature i.e. Althaea officinalis, Plantanus orientalis, Jasminum sombac, Maytenus royleana, Cucurbita maxima, Phyllanthus emblica, Citrullus vulgaris. Polygonatum verticilliatum, Caseria tomentosa, Cistanche tubulosa, Bambusa arundinacea, Schinus molle, Tamarindus indica, Pongamia pinnata, Citrus limon and Catharanthus roseus. However, 48 medicinal plants had been reported in the literature but the current study reported their novel medicinal uses. Important taxa should be established in botanical gardens for in-situ conservation, chemical investigation and sustainable utilization. It would also be effective to improve the livelihoods of the local population.

Cultural value and vegetation structure of Buxus wallichiana Bail. in Rajouri-Poonch region of Indian Himalayan region (VSI: Mountainous regions)

Buxus wallichiana is an economically valuable tree species of Indian Himalayan Region. Considering its economic importance and income generation potential in the Rajouri-Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir, present study was carried out to assess its economic value and cultural contribution through quantitative ethnobotanical approaches. Further, the study aims to examine the existing population status and regeneration patterns of B. wallichiana in natural forests of the region. Based on the socio-ecological surveys in the region, it was observed that a variety of handicraft articles like combs, pen stands, hangers, toys, and decorative items are made from the wood of B. wallichiana and are being sold in the local markets. It sustains whole cottage industry in Rajouri-Poonch region and the livelihood of the locals depends on this valuable tree species. It generates a good annual income for the people indulged in handicraft or wood carving industry. Based on its phytosociology, it was found that in natural forest areas of the region, B. wallichiana was mostly found associated with 8 other tree species viz. Pinus roxburghii, Toona ciliata, Quercus leucotrichophora, Acer oblongum, Acer cappadocicum, Pyrus pashia, Syzygium cumini and Aesculus indica. Average importance value and average basal area of B. wallichiana was found highest in Syzygium cumini - Pyrus pashia – Quercus leucotrichophora community. Density of B. wallichiana ranges from 200 to 500 Ind/ha which was lesser than the density of its seedlings and saplings. Density of B. wallichiana trees, saplings and seedlings was much lower than the density of its associated species. Present study reveals that B. wallichiana is threatened with clear evidence of reduced regeneration due to huge anthropogenic pressure on its wild populations stressing on the need of immediate conservation measures to be taken not only in Jammu and Kashmir but throughout the Indian Himalayan Region.

Introduction pages

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 4, Volume 13, 2021: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting researches or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Haemato-biochemical alterations and acute toxicity study of hydro-methanol root extract of Anacardium occidentale in cockerels; Diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Molecular detection of Trypanosoma species and haematological alterations in four trypanosome-infected Nigerian horses; Cryopreservation of aromatic ginger Kaempferia galanga L. by encapsulation-dehydration; Comparative study of some physicochemical and biological properties of effect host species variation on the relationship Saharan parasitic plant Cistanche violaceae (Desf.) Beck.; Comparative leaf anatomy of ten Nepenthes L. species (Nepenthaceae) from Peninsular Malaysia; Seed germination response of Indian wild pear (Pyrus pashia) to gibberellic acid treatment and cold storage; Molecular and morphological characterization of Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber, 1923) Skarbilovich, 1959 from Egypt.

Seed germination response of Indian wild pear (Pyrus pashia) to gibberellic acid treatment and cold storage

Knowledge of seed germination behaviour of different seed sources of tree species is useful in selecting the most responsive and adaptive ones for propagation and germplasm conservation. The wild Himalayan pear (Pyrus pashia Buch-Ham ex D. Don) produces highly nutritious edible fruits that are consumed by local communities. The populations of the species are threatened due to exploitation and lack of adequate conservation programmes. The study was conducted to examine the germination response of P. pashia seeds from two sources (S1-Champawat and S2-Pithoragarh) in Uttarakhand state of India, to different GA3 treatment and also to assess the viability and longevity of the seeds in cold storage (5 °C) for three years. In both sources germination percent (GP) increased significantly under GA3 treatment and speed of germination was also enhanced (reduction in mean germination time). In Source, 1 GP increased under all GA3 application, highest being 94% under GA3 500 ppm treatment. In Source 2, GP of seeds doubled under 100 ppm GA3 treatment while its higher concentrations did not improve the germination. However, the differences observed in germination between the seed sources could be due to differences in the dormancy levels and/or sensitivity to dormancy breaking elements across their geographical range. Thus, exogenous application of GA3 is suggested for enhancing the germination in seeds of P. pashia. Seeds responded to cold storage by increased germination with duration, i.e. highest after three years in storage, indicating that the seeds got the required chilling treatment for overcoming dormancy.